Ricky Knowles

Ricky Knowles has had varied work experience, starting from US Navy in 2006. Ricky served as an EP-3 Pilot and Mission Commander, P-3 Instructor Pilot, and CENTCOM HQ Joint Staff Officer. In 2013, they joined Insitu Inc, where they served in several roles, including RQ-21 Deputy Program Manager, Operations, ScanEagle Program Manager - International, RQ-21 Program Manager/P&L Director, Director of Product Fulfillment, and Director of Production Planning & Supplier Management. Ricky worked as Vice President of Business Operations & Quality from December 2022 to June 2023 before joining Aerovel as the Vice President of Operations & Manufacturing in June 2023, where they presently work.

Ricky Knowles has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, which they obtained between 1999 and 2003. In 2011, they completed their MBA from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business. Ricky later obtained an Advanced Executive Certificate in Management, Innovation, and Technology from the MIT Sloan School of Management between 2018 and 2022. Furthermore, Ricky obtained a Master of Science degree in Project Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from 2012 to 2013. Ricky also has several certifications to their name, including being a Certified Supply Chain Professional from APICS, and a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute. Additionally, they are a Multi-Engine Rated Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor (CFII) as certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.